NASCAR

Burns to be Labonte’s crew chief

Brian Burns has worked his way from interim status to the crew chief role at JTG/Daugherty Racing for the No. 47 Toyota and driver Bobby Labonte.

Burns had been a crew chief with Travis Kvapil and an interim crew chief with Labonte for the final four races in 2011 after Frank Kerr was reassigned. He returned to the crew chief role for at JTG/D in August when Todd Berrier parted ways with the team. Under Burns’ direction, Labonte posted three finishes of 12th or better in the final six races of the season.

“I think he’s done a great job since he was put in that position,” said general manager Bobby Hutchens. “He’s a solid engineer and he understands the race car. Plus he’s a great leader with the crew. Considering that he’s already had time in the position, I really believe we’ll be able to make progress next year."

Burns earned a degree in mechanical engineering technology at Purdue University. The Winslow, Ind. native also served as a sergeant in the Indiana Army National Guard prior to pursuing a career in NASCAR. He worked with Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing and Front Row Motorsports before joining JTG/Daugherty Racing in 2011.